Oil burning furnace



Sept 28, 1965 R. F. BIEDENBENDER Y 3,208,503

OIL BURNING FURNACE Filed July 50, 1963 23 INVENTOR: RAYMOND F. BIEDENBENDER United States Patent O 3,208,503 OIL BURNING FURNACE Raymond F. Biedenbender, Elyria, Ohio, assigner to The Coleman Company, Inc., Wichita, Kans., a corporation of Kansas Filed July 30, 1963, Ser. No. 298,649 Claims. (Cl. 158-28) This invention relates to an isolated combustion air supply means, and more particularly to an air supply means for a furnace equipped with a mechanical atomizing oil burner assembly where it is desired to supply the combustion air from an outside air source. Oil furnaces of the type with which this invention is adapted to be used have particular utility in connection with the heating of mobile homes.

Until recent years it was the almost universal practice to utilize the air in the room where the oil furnace was installed as the source of the combustion air. The room air also provides the source for the air to be heated. For the purpose of providing greater safety in the operation and use of oil furnaces, there has for some years now been a recognized need for providing the oil burner assembly of such furnaces with an isolated combustion air supply means. While this can be done fairly easily, it leads to a number of problems which heretofore have not been satisfactorily solved.

The oil burner assembly of a mechanical atomizing oil burner is usually mounted in the vestibule compartment of the furnace, which compartment usually includes a removable outer panel giving ready access to the compartment. The burner assembly is usually mounted on a vertically extending wall known as the vestibule panel which is opposite the access panel. By detaching the bolts which secure the mounting plate of the burner assembly to the vestibule panel, the entire burner assembly can be removed for repair and servicing. Equipping the burner assembly with isolated combustion air supply means tends to make it considerably more diicult to remove the burner assembly, as may be required at rather frequent intervals with an atomizing oil burner, which includes such auxiliary equipment as an oil pump, an air blower, a motor for driving the blower and the oil pump, and an electric igniter. p

The air supply means for an oil furnace must be provided with some type of shutter or damper for controlling the air ilow. The optimum air supply to the burner will vary with the type of oil being burned, the altitude at which the burner is operated, and other factors. Usually, however, once the air control means is adjusted, the particular adjustment can be maintained for a long period of time. If isolated combustion air supply means is used with an oil burner and an adjustable damper or air shutter is provided, the need for disassembling the air supply means to permit the removal of the burner assembly will result in disturbing the damper adjustment. Consequently, each time the burner assembly is removed, it will be necessary not only to disassemble and reassemble the air supply means but also to readjust the air control damper.

It is therefore the general object of the present invention to provide an isolated combustion air supply means for a furnace equipped with a mechanical atomizing burner assembly which substantially overcomes the problems described above. Further objects and advantages will be indicated in the following detailed specification.

The invention is shown in an illustrative embodiment in the accompanying drawing, in which- FIGURE l is a fragmentary front elevational view of an oil-burning furnace showing the lower portion of the vestibule compartment with a burner assembly mounted 3,208,503 latented Sept. 28, 1965 therein equipped with the isolated combustion air supply means of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view illustrating the air supply means in relation to the blower air intake of the burner assembly as the air supply means would appear when detached from the burner assembly;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical sectional view of the air supply means taken on line 3-3 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 4 is a side sectional elevational view of the air supply means as indicated generally by the line 4 4 on FIGURE 3, except that the air supply means is shown in the detached condition of FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary perspective View illustrating the detachable connection between the band of the air supply means and the upper duct-providing shell, the detachable connection of FIGURE 5 being shown on the left-hand side of FIGURE 3.

Looking rst at FIG. l, there is shown an oil burning furnace designated generally by the number 10, which includes the usual vestibule compartment 11, this compartment being seen in FIG. 1 with the front access panel removed. The vestibule compartment is provided with a vertically extending wall or panel 12 and with a bottom wall 13. The oil burner assembly, which is designated generally by the number 14 is mounted on vestibule wall 11 in the lower portion of the vestibule compartment but at a spaced distance above bottom wall 13, as shown in FIG. 1.

In the illustration given, burner assembly 14 includes a motor 15, a blower 16, an oil pump 17, an air intake cage 18, and a transformer 19. As is well-known in the art, motor 15 drives the blower 16 by means of a laterally extending shaft, which passes through cage 18 and also drives the oil pump 17. The construction of cage 18 is shown more clearly in FIG. 2, where the shaft 20 is also indicated. The transformer 19 is for supplying high voltage current to the spark electrodes of the igniter, as is also well-known in the art. It will be understood that only the external housings of the motor, blower, pump,` and transformer are seen in FIG. 1. However, since these components are of conventional and wellknown construction, it is not believed it will be necessary to further describe them herein.

This invention is concerned with the air supply means which is designated generally in FIG. 1 by the number 21. This air supply means is shown more clearly .in the other gures of the drawing, and will now be described in detail. The blower housing of the burner assembly includes a combustion air intake which is provided by the laterally-extending ycage 18. In the illustration given, the air intake cage 18, as shown more clearly in FIG. 2, has a cylindrical shape, and is provided around the circumference thereof with a plurality of air intake ports 22. In the illustration given, ports 22 are in the form of axially-extending slots, and are distributed around the entire circumference of the cage 18. For the purpose of the present invention, the ports 22 should be provided in at least the lower port-ion of cage 18 for cooperation with the isolated combustion air supply means of this invention, as will now be described.

In the embodiment of this invention as shown more particularly in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, there is provided a pair of vertically-extending air duct-providing shells arranged in telescopic relation so that the upper one of the shells can be raised and lowered while remaining in telescoping relation with the lower shell. In the illustration g-iven, the upper shell 23 telescopes with the lower shell 24. In FIG. 3, the upper shell 23 is shown in its raised position, while FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate shell 23 in its fully lowered position. Various shapes can be used for the duct-providing shells, but usually it will be convenient to form the shells with a rectangular cross section, as shown in the draw-ings. I

Shells 23 and 24 can be formed of sheet metal, such as galvanized iron. In the illustration given, the lower end of upper shell 23 is dimensioned internally to snugly engage the exterior of lower shell 24. As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the cross section of upper shell 23 enlarges slightly from the lower to the upper end. While this configuration is preferred, it is apparent that upper shell 23 can have .the same cross section throughout its length, while continuing to cooperate with shell 24 in the manner desired.

In practicing the present invention, it is preferred that upper shell 23 be the telescopically movable shell, while lower shell 24 remains in fixed position. For this purpose, lower shell 24 is preferably provided with suitable means such as laterally extending foot flanges 24a and 2411 which can be attached to the vestibule bottom panel 13 by any suitable means, such as by rivets, as in the illustration given. The bottom of fixed shell 24 is provided with an opening 25, which in the illustration given extends across `the full width of the bottom. Bottom panel 13 will also be provided with an opening 26 for alignment with the hsell opening 25, and as in the illustration given, the opening 26 can have substantially the same cross section as the opening 25. The alignment of `these two openings is shown more clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4. With this construction when the furnace is installed on top of a floor by means of the usual sub-base 27, air can fiow into the communicating passage in the sub-base through an opening in floor 28. For example, where fioor 28 is the floor of a mobile home, outside air from beneath the mobile home can thereby be drawn into shell 24 passing upwardly through .the ducts provided by the telescoping shells.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention the fixed shell 24 is provided with an adjustable air shutter means for controlling the flow of air through the duct provided thereby. In the illustration given, the air shutter consists of a slidably mounted plate 29 which has one end portion extending through a slot 30 .in the adjacent side wall of the lower shell 24, as indicated in FIG. 2 and shown more clearly in FIG. 4. Plate 29 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 29h which cooperates with a locking means 29e, which in the illustration given, consists of a bolt and wing nut. Plate 29 is also provided with an upwardly turned outer end portion 29a to facilitate grasping the plate with a hand for moving it inwardly and outwardly with respect to shell 24. As indicate-d in FIG. 4, the flow of air through the interior of shell 24 can be controlled by the relative position of the slide 29, the slide be-ing shown in FIG. 4 in an intermediate position.

For cooperation with the air intake cage 18, the upper end of movable shell 23 is shaped to engage the lower portion of cage 18 so that the air duct provided by the shells communicates with the ports 22 in the lower portion of the cage. Where cage 18 has a cylindrical configuration, as in the illustration given, the side edges 23a and 23b of shell 23 can be given a circular or arcuate shape, as shown more particularly in FIGS. 2 and 4. This will permit the edges 23a and 23h to engage the underside of t-he cage 18, as shown in FIG. 3.

In accordance with the present invention there is also provided an upwardly arched band 31 having lower end portions adjacent the upper end portions of upper shell 23 which extends upwardly therefrom over and around the upper portion of cage 18, as shown more clearly in FIG. 3. The lower end portions of band 31 are Secured to the upper end portions of shell 23, preferably by releasable means, -as will subsequently be explained. Where cage 18 has a cylindrical configuration, as in the illustration given, band 31 will have a semi-cylindrical shape for closely conforming to the upper portion of cage 18. In the illustration given, cage 18 is provided on each (l. side with outwardly extending annular anges 32 and 33. With .this construction, it is preferred that band 31 be dimensioned so that it completely fills the space between the flanges 32 and 33, as shown in FIG. l. The relationship of the band 31 to the flange 33 is also indicated in FIG. 3.

To achieve the objects of the present invention, the lower ends of band 31 are detachably or releasably connected to the upper end portion of shell 23. In the illustr-ation given, this is accomplished by providing one of the lower ends of band 31 with a transversely-extending slot 34, as shown more clearly in FIG. 5. The slot 34 receives a hook 35 which is attached to the corresponding side of upper shell 23, the parts being shown particularly in FIG. 3. This provides a releasable hinge connection between the band and shell. If desired, band 31 can be provided with a more permanent type of hinge connection, as a substitute for slot 34 and hook 35. It will be understood, however, that the band 31 should not be fastened to shell 23 in such a manner as to interfere with being lowered over cage 18 and shell 24.

The other lower end portion of band 31 and corresponding side of shell 23 are provided wtih suitable interconnecting means, such as the opposed brackets 36 and 37, which can be releasably connected by a suitable bolt 38, as shown in FIG. 3. Of course, other attachment means can be used for connecting the brackets 36 and 37, such as a screw.

Band 31 can be formed of a suitable gauge of sheet metal, such as a galvanized iron, and preferably has at least a small degree of flexibility, so that it can be pulled down tightly against the upper portion of cage 18, by the tightening of bolt 38.

Operation In normal operation, the combustion air supply means of this invention will appear as shown in FIGS. l and 3. When it is desired to remove the burner assembly 14 for inspection or servicing, bolt 38 will be disconnected, permitting band 31 to be raised in the manner shown in FIG. 2. With the hook-type hinge connection illustrated, the other end of band 31 can be slipped off the hook 34. The releasing of band 31 will permit the upper shell 23 to drop downwardly in telescoping relation with the fixed lower shell 24, for example, to the position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. In this position, the air supply means is completely disconnected from the air inlet cage 18, and the shells are below the cage so that they do not interfere wtih the removal of the burner assembly 14. As is well-known in the art, the burner assembly can be removed by releasing the bolts holding the attachment plate 39 to panel 12, as indicated in FIG. 1.

Not only does the present invention permit the ready removal and reinstallation of the burner assembly, but it also eliminates the need for readjustment of the air control means. Since the air shutter 29 is associated with the fixed lower shell 24, the position of the air shutter is not disturbed by the disconnection of the air supply means from the burner assembly. Thus, the air control shutter need not be readjusted, after its optimum setting has been determined upon the original installation of the furnace. Of course, should adjustment be required due to a change in the altitude at which the mobile home is being used, or a change in the type of oil being burned, the adjustment can be readily made by releasing bolt locking means 22g and shifting slide plate 29 by means of the end ange 29a.

While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to a specific embodiment thereof and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to other embodiments, and that many of the details described herein can be variedy considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.

I claim:

1. In combination with a furnace equipped with a mechanical atomizing oil burner assembly and having a vestibule compartment with a bottom wall and a verticallyextending wall on which said burner assembly is mounted, said burner assembly including a blower housing having a combustion air intake provided by a laterally-extending cage with air intake ports in at least the lower portion of said cage, an isolated combustion air supply means comprising a pair of vertically-extending air duct-providing shells arranged in telescoping relation so that the upper one of said shells can be raised and lowered while ,remaining in telescoping relation with the lower of said shells, said lower shell being mounted on said vestibule compartment bottom wall and providing an air inlet in the lower end thereof for receiving air through said bottom wall, said upper shell having its upper end portion shaped to engage the lower portion of said cage so that the air duct provided by said shells communicates with the said ports in the lower portion of said cage, an upwardly arched band having lower end portions adjacent the upper end portions of said upper shell and extending upwardly therefrom over the upper portion of said cage, and means releasably connecting the lower end portions of said band to the upper end portions of said upper shell.

2. The air supply means of claim 1 wherein said lower shell is provided with adjustable air shutter means for controlling the flow of air through the duct provided thereby, whereby said band can be released from said cage and said upper shell dropped down below said cage without disturbing the setting of said shutter means.

3. In combination wtih a furnace equipped with a mechanical atomizing oil burner assembly and having a vestibule compartment with a bottom wall and a vertically-extending wall on which said burner assembly is mounted, said burner assembly including a blower housing having a combustion air intake provided by a laterally-extending cylindrical cage having air intake ports spaced around the circumference thereof, an isolated combustion air supply means comprising a pair of vertically-extending air ductproviding shells arranged in telescoping relation so that the upper one of said shells can be raised and lowered while remaining in telescoping relation with the lower of said shells, said upper shell being movable from a position with its upper end at the level of the lower portion of said cage to a position with its upper end at a level below the lower portion of said cage, said lower shell being mounted on said vestibule compartment bottom wall and providing an air inlet in the lower end thereof for receiving air through said bottom wall, said upper shell having its upper end portion shaped to engage the lower portion of said cage so that the air duct provided by said shells communicates with the said ports in the lower portion of said cage, and a semi-cylindrical band having lower end portions adjacent the upper end portions of said upper shell and extending upwardly therefrom over and around the upper portion of said cage, the lower ends of said band being detachably connected to the upper end portions of said upper shell.

4. The airsupply means of claim 3 wherein said lower shell is provided with adjustable air shutter means for controlling the ow of air through the duct provided thereby, whereby said band can be detached from said cage and said upper shell dropped down below said cage without disturbing the setting of said shutter means.

5. In combination with a furnace equipped with a mechanical atomizing oil burner assembly and having a vestibule compartment with a bottom wall and a vertically-extending wall on which said burner assembly is mounted, said burner assembly including a blower housing having a combustion air intake provided by a laterallyextending cylindrical cage having air intake ports spaced around the circumference thereof, an isolated combustion air supply means comprising a pair of vertically-extending air duct-providing shells arranged in telscoping relation so that the upper one of said shells can be raised and lowered While remaining in telescoping relation with the lower of said shells, said upper shell being movable from a position with its upper end at the level of the lower portion of said cage to a position with its upper end at a level below the lower portion of said cage, said lower shell being mounted on said vestibule compartment bottom wall and providing an air inlet in the lower end thereof for receiving air through said bottom wall, said upper shell having opposed arcuate edge portions for engaging the lower portion of said cage so that the duct provided by said shells communicates with the said ports in the lower portion of said cage, a semi-cylindrical band having lower end portions adjacent the upper portions of said upper shell and extending upwardly therefrom over and around the upper portions of said cage, the lower ends of said band being detachably connected to the upper portions of said upper shell, and an adjustable shutter means for controlling the flow of air through the duct provided by said lower shell, said air shutter means consisting of a plate adapted for slidable mounting on said vestibule bottom wall, the` adjacent wall of said lower shell having a laterally extending slot therein, and said plate having an end portion extending through said slot into said duct provided by said lower shell for adjustable positioning therein.

References Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 83,139 10/68 Deily 126-292 2,159,414 5/ 39 Wilcox et al 158-76 2,561,389 7/51 Machniak 158-28 JAMES W. WESTHAVER, Primary Examiner. MEYER PERLIN, Examiner. 

1. IN COMBINATION WITH A FURNACE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL ATOMIZING OIL BURNER ASSEMBLY AND HAVING A VESTIBULE COMPARTMENT WITH A BOTTOM WALL AND A VERTICALLYEXTENDING WALL ON WHICH SAID BURNER ASSEMBLY IS MOUNTED, SAID BURNER ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A BLOWER HOUSING HAVING A COMBUSTION AIR INTAKE PROVIDED BY A LATERALLY-EXTENDING CAGE WITH AIR INTAKE PORTS IN AT LEAST THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID CAGE, AN ISOLATED COMBUSTION AIR SUPPLY MEANS COMPRISING A PAIR OF VERTICALLY-EXTENDING AIR DUCT-PROVIDING SHELLS ARRANGED IN TELESCOPING RELATION SO THAT THE UPPER ONE OF SAID SHELLS CAN BE RAISED AND LOWERED WHILE REMAINING IN TELESCOPING RELATION WITH THE LOWER OF SAID SHELLS, SAID LOWER SHELL BEING MOUNTED ON SIAD VESTIBULE COMPARTMENT BOTTOM WALL AND PROVIDING AN AIR INLET IN THE LOWER END THEREOF FOR RECEIVING AIR THROUGH SAID BOTTOM WALL, SAID UPPER SHELL HAVING ITS UPPER END PORTION SHAPED TO ENGAGE THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID CAGE SO THAT THE AIR DUCT PROVIDED BY SAID SHELLS COMMUNICATES WITH THE SAID PORTS IN THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID CAGE, AN UPWARDLY ARCHED BAND HAVING LOWER END PORTIONS ADJACENT THE UPPER END PORTIONS OF SAID UPPER SHELL AND EXTENDING UPWARDLY THEREFROM OVER THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID CAGE, AND MEANS RELEASABLY CONNECTING THE LOWER END PORTIONS OF SAID BAND TO THE UPPER END PORTIONS OF SAID UPPER SHELL. 